The other floors also feature landscaped
spaces with different types of greenery, Burger says. "People sitting in there really feel like
they're connected to the outside," he says.
So far, the hard work has paid off for Maplewood and T.G. Nickel. "The reaction we're
getting from colleagues, other developers
and seniors themselves is this is a truly
unique residence in the heart of the city,"
Smith says.
Project Partners
Maplewood is pleased with the work of
T.G. Nickel. "We sought out the best group
that does residential towers in New York
City," Maplewood Executive Vice President
of Acquisition and Development Tom
Gaston recalls.
"They have a fantastic track record," he
says, noting that T.G. Nickel often works on
projects like Inspīr. "We're very proud to
have them on board as our partners."
Smith also praises the work of Handel
Architects LLP, which normally designs hospitality and residential projects. Maplewood,
he explains, wanted a firm that did not focus
on senior housing and would think outside
the box. "That marriage between us as design
influencers and executors of the dream and
their input has been very helpful in creating
something that is truly unique," he says.
credible and we've done a great job to date
with it."
Down the Road
The Manhattan project falls within the
company's newest brand Inspīr. This
international brand was launched to offer a
luxurious option for seniors looking to join
a residential community in major metropolitan areas. Smith sees more success
ahead for Maplewood as it develops projects
like Inspīr.
"We know that the market is going to be
strong for a long time," he says, noting that
the firm prefers to focus on quality over
quantity. "It's really about being disciplined
in your approach, and we've got a phenomenal team."
T.G. Nickel wants to keep working with
'We sought out
the best group
that does
residential
towers in New
York City.'
Maplewood, Burger adds. "They're actively
perusing additional properties in New York
City, the Long Island area and New Jersey,"
he says. "[We hope] this project is successful
and to continue working with Maplewood
in the future."
The Inspīr brand was created
to offer a luxurious living
option to seniors.
«
Right on Track
T.G. Nickel is keeping on schedule as it
builds Inspīr, despite a tight worksite that
has placed it close to an existing building.
"The tenants are extremely close to the project, [so we're] coordinating with them and
keeping them apprised," Burger says.
Additionally, "We're right on top of the
Second Avenue subway line," he says,
explaining that the builder is installing piles
within several feet of the subway tunnel. "So
coordinating with the MTA is a major effort."
The project development also has been
daunting for Maplewood. "New York is not for
the faint of heart," Gaston admits. "We knew
that completing our project from beginning
to end [would take] a strong three years.
"You have to be organized and you have
to have a clear vision," he continues, noting
that this also requires a strong team. "The
experiences we've learned have been in-
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